​Hybrid engine technology is in danger of becoming old-hat. Except when Lexus produces major steps forward, as in the new generation RX450h. Roy Woodcock takes one for a test drive . . .

Lexus RX450h

Lexus have most things sorted, that’s for sure. If you’re lucky enough to own any of the seven models in its range you’ll know what I mean: A build quality and reliability virtually second to none.

There’s a focus about the company and its products that’s reassuring. So much so, the engineers and designers have been able to concentrate, not on fixing any niggling fit and finish issues, but on pushing ahead with pioneering work in the field of engine development.

While other manufacturers and industry pundits debated the pros and cons of hybrid vehicles, Lexus got on with building and selling them. It’s reached the stage where hybrid technology is inextricably bundled up with the Lexus range and the Japanese brand is well down the road of developing and refining its petrol/electric drive system while rivals nervously pace the water’s edge wondering whether to take the plunge.

So much so that the latest, third generation, RX 4x4 is only available with a hybrid engine. On sale since July, it’s an impressive car for all sorts of reasons . . .

First, the look: The smoother, curvier lines that start low down with the distinctive grille and then sweep up and over the roof before dipping away to the tailgate, is a huge improvement – I felt it made the car seem more compact, certainly less boxy, even though it’s longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces.

It drives better, too . . . A new double wishbone rear suspension configuration replaces the strut-type system used in the previous model (the RX400h). Allied to the increase in wheelbase length and track width, this enhances body roll and pitch control and sets new standards for handling in the SUV segment.

In case you’re still unfamiliar with hybrid technology, it’s essentially a method of powering a car using a combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motors. The petrol unit in question here is a 246bhp 3.5-litre V6 with a number of innovative features designed to enhance its efficiency.

It’s supplemented by a pair of electric motors, one for each axle, which give the four-wheel-drive Lexus a maximum potential output of 295bhp. That’s a 10 per cent increase in power over the old RX400h, with a 0-60mph sprint time (of 7.8 seconds) and a 124mph top speed.

The car can achieve a creditable 44.8mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 

148g/km of CO2, the kind of returns that you might expect from a 1.6-litre family hatchback and a 28 per cent improvement on the old RX400h which could only manage 192g/km. It certainly shows a 4x4 does not, by default, have to be the ecological disaster that certain members of the green lobby maintain they are.

There are four spec levels in the range – entry point is SE grade, with key features including leather upholstery, heated and electrically-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, nine-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, 18-inch alloy wheels, 10 airbags, HID headlamps, rear parking monitor and automatic windscreen wipers. The Lexus Navigation System is available as an option and, as you go up the range you acquire all sorts of goodies, including heads-up display.

Lexus RX450h: From £41,600.